Council ratifies 2026 priorities including housing, arts and regional partnerships

The Sonoma City Council on Feb. 18 ratified its 2026 goals, a package of priorities staff said will guide budgets, commission work plans and regional collaboration over the year.

City Manager Goede walked council through language changes made after the Jan. 30 goal-setting workshop. Key updates included expanding parks and recreation language to highlight arts and partnerships, adding senior and supportive housing to housing objectives, strengthening language around regional partnerships (including immigration support and annexation exploration), and clarifying actions related to reserve policy review and youth activity gaps.

Manager Goede told the council the goals will drive the budget and commission work plans: "These council goals are critical for the operation of the city. They will guide staff, the establishment of the budget and help direct resources." He also noted that warming and cooling centers are being reconceived as ongoing operational assets for vulnerable populations rather than one-off emergency responses.

The council discussed minor edits. One member sought language to emphasize public-private collaboration where suitable; others debated the placement and appearance of possible parklets in the downtown core. City Manager Goede confirmed the official local fund name is "Housing Trust Fund," which staff will use in policy materials.

Councilmember (speaker at SEG 2960) moved to accept the priorities as amended; after a second, council adopted the goals on a 4-0 roll call: Councilmember Gurney, yes; Councilmember Dean, aye; Councilmember Ferrer Rivas, aye; Mayor Wellender, yes. The council asked staff to proceed with integrating the goals into budget and commission work plans.

What happens next: staff will incorporate the adopted goals into the 2026 work plans and upcoming budget discussions and return to council as projects and funding requests are developed.